System advice


Haven’t been in forums in years. Previous audiophile that got burned out from audio fever of chasing the grail of audio nirvana. Previous system was Merlin VSM MXE with Ars sonum filharmonia with cardas golden ref cables. Interested in getting a quality 2 channel system. Requirement are full range speakers, integrated amp which can be tube or SS, and high end streaming device. No hard media will be used. I want this to be simple with fewer components/cables. Dac in amp or streaming device. Will be used in dedicated room that shares my HT. Will buy preowned from here. Typically listen to classical, jazz, crooners, acoustic. Budget 12-15k. 

jhurst

All will be purchased pre-owned:

Speakers: Revel Salon 2.  Still world class after all these years.  May be your last pair of speakers.

Integrated amp/DAC:  Hegel H590.  Excellent and and excellent combo with the Revels.

Suggestion:  Buy an outboard DAC.

You can take it from here.

 

+1 @soix great suggestions. Both Hegel and Joseph Audio have plenty of very positive reviews 

This used Aesthetix Mimas is a fantastic buy. Aesthetix are known for a fantastic preamp and the DAC card got great reviews.  If you don’t need the phono card you can sell it.  

Ooo! I love spending other people’s money!

Speakers: Klipsch Forte, $3,500

Int. Amp: Marantz PM-KI Ruby, $2,200

Streamer: Auralic Aries G2.1, $3,500

IC Cables: Teo Audio GC, $1,250 (new only)

Speaker Cables: Cardas Audio Clear Reflection, $2,500

Total cost is just shy of $13K. Of course, these are conservatively estimated prices in the used market. You may find better deals out there. The only new components are the IC cables (unless you already have a preferred pair lying around). But I’ve been very impressed with the Teo Audio cables. At their price point, they are impossible to beat.

Happy hunting!

Whoops, forgot to post link:

https://tmraudio.com/components/integrated-amplifiers/aesthetix-mimas-stereo-tube-hybrid-integrated-amplifier-mm-mc-phono-dac/

@ghdprentice 

When trying to climb the DAC ladder on my limited budget, I was so blessed to be able to purchase a used Linn DSM/2 with the Organix DAC upgrade for about $12.5k.  Feels like I got a ridiculously great sonic bargain.